Do You Hear What I Hear?

GodTube Staff

"Do You Hear What I Hear?" is a carol composed in October 1962, with lyrics by Noël Regney and music by Gloria Shayne Baker. The pair, married at the time, created this carol as an appeal for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis. This carol's lyrics recall the birth of Jesus and the events surrounding the traditional Christmas story. Discover the lyrics and background story below along with video performances.

Said the night wind to the little lamb,
do you see what I see
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
do you see what I see
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
A song, a song, high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
do you know what I know
In your palace warm, mighty king,
do you know what I know
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Let us bring Him silver and gold

Said the king to the people everywhere,
listen to what I say
Pray for peace, people everywhere!
listen to what I say
The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light

Songwriters Noël Regney Published by Mercury Records

The Story Behind Do You Hear What I Hear?

“Do You Hear What I Hear?” is a Christmas classic that echoes the themes of the Nativity story through poetic imagery and symbolic characters. Though Jesus is never mentioned by name, the carol follows a progression inspired by the Gospel accounts: A star, a message, a child, and a proclamation of peace.

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What Is "Do You Hear What I Hear?" About?

The popular hymn and Christmas classic weaves a narrative loosely based on the Nativity:

A night wind speaks to a little lamb, pointing to a shining star.
The lamb shares the message with a shepherd boy, saying he hears a song ringing loudly above the world.
The shepherd then brings the news to a mighty king, telling him of a child in the cold who needs silver and gold, echoing the gifts of the Magi in Christian tradition.
Finally, the king declares a message of hope: that this child will “bring goodness and light.”

While not a complete retelling of Scripture, the imagery draws from both Matthew’s account of the star and the Magi and Luke’s announcement to the shepherds.

Who Wrote "Do You Hear What I Hear?"

The carol was written by Noël Regney after he was approached by a record producer to create a Christmas song. At first, Regney hesitated, as he was troubled by how commercialized the holiday had become and doubted whether he could write something sincere and meaningful.

But eventually, he penned a song rooted in themes of peace, hope, and unity; sentiments especially powerful during the tense political climate of the early 1960s, when the song was composed.

The result is a carol that still resonates today, reminding listeners of the child who brings “goodness and light.”

Bible Inspiration for "Do You Hear What I Hear?"

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:1-2

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Luke 2:8-10

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.

Luke 1:31-33

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

John 1:9

Best Versions of "Do You Hear What I Hear?"

Over the years, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” has been recorded by countless artists, each bringing a unique sound and emotion to the popular hymn and beloved Christmas carol. Here are some standout renditions:

Home Free (A Cappella) — A breathtaking, fully a cappella performance that highlights the group’s stunning harmonies. Their worshipful delivery gives chills and powerfully honors God through their musical gift.
Third Day — A moving version paired with scenes from The Nativity Story.
Carrie Underwood — A stunning vocal performance filled with emotion and reverence.